Russia and North Korea to Construct £77 Million Bridge by 2026

Russia and North Korea are initiating a £77 million bridge project to connect their territories across the Tumen River. Construction is set to begin following preparatory work, aiming for completion by the end of 2026. Officials maintain that their strong bilateral relations remain intact despite geopolitical tensions.

A new car bridge, estimated at £77 million, is under construction to connect northern North Korea with eastern Russia. Spanning 2.92 miles across the Tumen River, the bridge aims to facilitate transportation and trade between the two countries and is scheduled for completion by the end of 2026. This new structure will complement the existing railway bridge known as the “Friendship Bridge,” operational since 1959.

In February, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin issued a decree to a small firm, TonnelYuzhStroi, for the bridge’s construction. Preparatory work is ongoing, including the finalization of design documents and the formation of construction teams. Actual construction is yet to commence, pending the approval following President Vladimir Putin’s visit to North Korea in 2024.

Alexander Matsegora, Russia’s ambassador to North Korea, confirmed that the bridge works have not started yet. He noted that parties involved are in the initial stages of preparatory efforts. Furthermore, he indicated that the relations between North Korea and Russia remain strong, asserting that recent interactions between the United States and Russia regarding the war in Ukraine have not affected their partnership.

Ambassador Matsegora highlighted the lack of concern from Pyongyang regarding external influences on their strategic partnership with Russia. He stated that the bonds of fraternal friendship between North Korea and Russia remain solid, rooted in shared experiences and sacrifices.

In summary, the construction of a £77 million bridge linking North Korea and Russia is in preparatory stages and is expected to enhance connectivity between the two countries. Despite the ongoing geopolitical tensions, officials from both sides assert that their relationship remains strong and unaffected by outside influences. The project is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2026, following further developments after President Putin’s 2024 visit to North Korea.

Original Source: www.express.co.uk